“We are born at a given moment, in a given place and, like vintage years of wine, we have the qualities of the year and of the season of which we are born.” - Carl Jung
“The steeplechase will be a fun family event that should attract all types of spectators from the community and beyond.” Mark Bellissimo President Palm Spring Steeplechase
The ninth Legacy Chase at The Meadows Shawan Downs was the final planned celebration of my month long soiree into my sixth decade. The steeplechase event sponsored by the Greater Baltimore Medical Center was a classic event like the horse scene in “Pretty woman.” The overcast sky didn’t dampen our spirits, in the beautiful horse country overlooking the hills of Hunt Valley. Our box situated on the backstretch with a sign reading “Shawan Downs, Happy 60th birthday Valerie Fraling;” offered a splendid view of the track and countryside. The horses were so close that we could literally “reach out and touch.” The thunderous sounds as they raced pass our box or hit the hurdles doing their jumps was startling. I was amazed they did not break a leg upon impact. One jockey had to be carried off the track; she appeared to be okay giving us the thumbs up sign as she passed our box as we applauded her. The boxes are judged for presentation, originality and food. The elaborate themes of the boxes were impressive including candelabras, silver and crystal. This was our first year for the event so we did not know we would be judged. The judges enjoyed the salmon with crab imperial prepared by Dante of Maceo’s. Guests enjoying the “day at the races” were Janet Johnson, Sarah Smalley, Rosemary Atkinson, Tobi Pulley, Carol Greer, Mildred Harper, Lora Mayo, Dee Wright, Greg Williams, Walter Hill, Frank Coakley, David Placher, Anthony Jones, Reggie Pinder, Robert Imhoff, Marsha Jews, Stephanie Kinder, Roxy Umphrey and my childhood girlfriends Councilwoman Paula Johnson Branch and Dr Marie Washington. “Here comes the rain” at the end of the races as predicted the rains came around 4 PM but the veterans of the steeplechase were prepared with large umbrellas and tents. “Yes I’m ready” for next year.
“Livable neighborhoods with a vibrant street life will stimulate our economic life as well.” Gavin Newsom
Blue Hill Tavern is located in Canton near the National Boh brewery; the intermingling of the neighborhood with the upscale style restaurant has given the neighborhood a new birth. The glassed bar area featuring a cascading water fall creates a calming atmosphere “somewhere over the rainbow.” This restaurant has become the new downtown with CEOs and business executives gathering there for dinner and drinks. The night we were there the founder of a local bank was in the lounge area. The second level has additional seating for dining, a bar and patio which is ideal for parties or watching the Ravens game. They have complimentary valet parking.
Basically I’m an Amstel Light drinker although I do love a great martini, a refreshing Jack and definitely a cognac “straight no chaser.” The extensive selections of martinis were tempting but I was surprised when Takiea Hinton and Marilyn Benderat ordered the cucumber martini instead of the sweeter ones. I passed on the martinis with the cucumber slice on the glass and opted for a cold natty boh since I was in his neighborhood. No thanks to the hummus mixture of chick peas and black beans. We burst into laughter when I whispered “I can’t believe I am out with two healthy eaters drinking cucumber martinis and eating healthy hummus beans” it was hysterical! Marilyn had just returned from two weeks in Israel eating hummus daily and still craved the taste, reliving her vacation. Since I hadn’t been any further than downtown Baltimore I ordered the chicken liver pate with cognac, raisin walnut crostinis (wafer thin bread) it was so good. I mean finger licking good, I was ready to use my finger to get the last drop; “don’t worry” I didn’t. I just ordered another one. The scallops with white beans, capers and red caviar was delicious, the tomato cheese soup with the cheese truffle is a definite must try. The Kobe beef tavern burger with brioche, applewood bacon is a house favorite. They also feature roasted chicken, mushroom Wellington, braised rabbit, short ribs and chateaubriand.
“Cancer victims who don't accept their fate, who don't learn to live with it, will only destroy what little time they have left.” Ingrid Bergman
“Memoirs celebrating survivors, supporting warriors and saluting the saints.” Valerie Fraling.
Is the theme at Blink Pink on Friday October 16 as breast cancer survivors Sarita and Zerita host an evening of jazz and pampering at The Inn at the Colonnade. Greet special guests including Robin Prothro Executive Director of Komen Maryland and Dr. Miles Harrison. Call 443-418-1083 for tickets.
“On the road again” Heels on Wheels is sponsoring a “Women only ride” benefit to save the TA TAS on October 24, at Harley Davidson Baltimore. Call 410-238-2003 to support the Susan G Komen foundation. Bosom buddies ride free.
“We deem those happy who from the experience of life have learnt to bear its ills without being overcome by them.” Carl Jung
The Upsilon Epsilon Omega Chapter Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority is hosting a Community Health fair Saturday October 17, go to www.akabaltimorecounty.org.
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority’s Myrtle Tyler Faithful Fund memorial concert featuring French harmonica player Frederic Yonnet, October 18 at the Walters Art Museum. For tickets visit ZPBConcert@AZ1923.org
“I’ll be there” Valerie & the Friday Night Bunch Aleuta Continua